From Our Special Correspondent

Daijiworld Media Network

Bengaluru, Jun 20: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah underscored the need for promoting and protecting Kannada language, land and water and it is the bounden duty of all Kannadigas to work for the cause of Kannada.

He was addressing the gathering after performing Bhoomi Puja for the construction of a bronze statue of Nada Devi Bhuvaneshwari near the western entrance of Vidhana Soudha as part of the Karnataka Namakarana Suvarna Mahotsava celebrations organised by the Department of Kannada and Culture on Thursday.

The Chief Minister called upon all Kannadigas to work for creating a Kannada atmosphere in Karnataka.

All Kannadigas must feel proud to speak in our mother tongue, and using Kannada should be a matter of pride for the citizens, he said.

“Everyone must decide to speak in Kannada with those who live in the State. A vow must be taken that no language other than Kannada is spoken. Kannadigas are generous,” he said.

“There is an environment in Karnataka where even those who speak other languages can live without learning Kannada. The same situation cannot be seen in Tamil Nadu, Andhra or Kerala states. They speak only in their mother tongue. We also have to speak in our mother tongue. That should make us proud,” said Siddaramaiah.

The Chief Minister said there is no need feel inferior about speaking in Kannada. People living in Karnataka should learn Kannada. It is the duty of all of us to create a Kannada atmosphere. For that, all the people living here should learn Kannada. We cannot remain silent like that.

“Kannadigas are not insolents. But love for Kannada should be developed. We should not become like the bigots in other states. But we should develop respect and admiration for our language, land and country,” he said.

Work to be completed by Nov 1

The Chief Minister said he hopes that Mother Bhuvaneshwari will inspire everyone in this regard. He said that the work should be completed by November 1, 2024. Work has already started and there is no shortage of funds too.

A bronze statue of about 25 feet height will be constructed in the premises of Vidhana Soudha. It is directed that it should be attractive to the people. We have installed statues of many politicians.

"I think the bronze statue of Bhuvaneshwari will add to the charm of the Vidhana Soudha,” he said.

State Legislative Council Chairman Basavaraja Horatti, Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, Kannada and Culture Minister Shivaraj Thangadagi and MLAs were present.